Ignition switch



w Sept. 6,1927.

w. KA'lsLlG IGNITION SWITCH Filed May 14. 1923 2 Sheets-Sheet l Sept' 6' 1927' w. KAlsLlNG IGNITON SWITCH Filed 'May 14, '1925 Patented Sept. 6, 1927.

- uirsn sraries rarsr WILLIAM KAISLING, OF yCHICAGO,V LLINOIS, SSIGNOR TO KELLOGG SWITCI'IBOABD AND SUE'PLY COMPANY, OF.' CI IICAGO, ILLINOES,` A CORPORATION OE' ILLINOIS.

IGNITION SWITCH.

Applicaton'rfiled May 14, 1923. Serial No. 638,9'2e.

My invention relates to electrical switches in general, and has to do more particularly with switches for controlling a plurality of circuits. The present embodiment of my invention is constructed more particularly for use in connection with ignition or light-ino' Circuit-s for automobiles or the like. An object of my invention is the provision of a switch of the class describech' in which a feature of my'invention is the provision of a mounting base having an insulation member secured thereon, and which insulation member has certain portions of its body cut out for receiving portions of st-ationary con tact members secured to the base. The insulation member is of the same thickness as that of the contact`members so that the open face of the contact members' and of the insulation member are flush with each other; the portions of said contact members engaging the cut out portions in the insulation member are adapted to be engaged by rotatable contact springs to close certain circuits. `Another feature of my invention lies in the construction of the rotor element which carries the contact Springs for engaging the stationary contact secured to the mount ing base. a i i A further feature of my invention lies in the manner in which I rotatably secure the rotor elements of my switch on the base and in operative association with that .portion of the stationary contact members engaging the insulation member secured tomthe base. Another' feature of my invention is the provision of an actuating lever for each of the rotor elements of myswitch, each of said actuating levers being provided with a suitably shaped body portion lfor extending through a central opening in the rotor element with which it is associated'and alsol provided with another body portion for engaging a slot in therotor element so that' when the lever is actuated the rotor element is caused to rotate. The manner in which I retain the actuating lever in operative engagement 'with the rotor element is also a part of this feature. v

Still another feature of my linvention is the provision of a pair .of spring members m'ounted parallelto'each other on a post secured to the base, and havingv their free ends suitably shaped for enga-ging. serrated members of the rotor elements'of my switch for pro-ducing a snap action when the said rotor elements are rotated from one position to another position, and also toretain the rotor elements in the position to which they are rotated.

Another feature is the provision of a tumbler lock and the manner in which the same is Vsupported in the front and back parts of the' switch and the provision ofva U-shaped member for preventing rotation of the lock casing or barrel. i

Pics.

Another feature. is the provision of a locking` member for 'looking one of the Vrotor elements of my switch in position so that the same may be moved to either of two positions but cannot be moved to a third position butwhen in its unlocked position may be moved to either of three positions.

fu `1ther feature is the provision of means for preventing` the rotor element from being locked when the said rotor element' is in a certain position.

Another feature -of my invention is the provision of means for limiting the rotation of the keyV cylinder of the tumbler lock of my invention. i

A further feature of my invention lies in the construction and manner in which the stationary contact'members are secured to the base and associated with t-herotatable elements lof my switch. i

The above mentioned features, as well as other desirable features and advantages not enumerated above, will be pointed out in the ensuing specification and appended claims.

For a -more complete and better understanding of my invention, reference may be had to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters. in the different views denote like parts7 and in which:

Fig. 1 is a front plan view of my inven; tion; y

Fig. 2 isa right side view of Fig. 1, having a portion of the switch cut away;

Fig. 3 is a back view of the switch of my invention F iis aview showing the inner structure of the back part .of my invention;

Fig. 5 is a left side view of'Fig'. 4;

Fig- 6 is a right side view of F ig. l;

Fig. 7 is another view of the inner structure 'f my invention; I i

Fig.V 8 is a lview of the rotor contact elementsv of. my switch and lthe means for locie hip; ono of said eienients in posii'ion, and :iho schon'f-s the spring means: for giving' ii` nnzin i 'n io i'hn l'ofoif toninci' elements;

Fin". is :i sociI-ionni Yiev: of one of 'the rotoiIV contact eicnienha` of niy invention showing); i'ho szinio in iii; lnonnfoil position;

Fin: 10 is nnofhei' view of ono of the l'otor coninct oloinentii; of my switch, Shmvinn?` the same inonnfeci hefi'vecn the hack ,and front of the switch structure inni the nctnnting); niez-insr i'oi* opoi'ntingj said i'ofoi' (',oninci elen'ienf;

Finn li is n soctionoi Yicn' along; 'the iine 10--i0 of Figi. 9; inni.

Fin: '12 is ii, ncciiinnii `view of one of 'the eoniizii't nienihei's oi niy im'cnizion showing (he senne .':ccnifed to the hack of the switch.

hefci'i'ingr now in geneini to niy ini'ention, 'ii connn'i; n lin'hi'iim` nn'ii'ch nniifi ii, LinCi nn .ignifion switch unii'` iii. riho lighiuing Eni'iich unit L has o normal oi' olf posii'ion A, nnifi {oin' opei'oiive po ii'ioi e B1 C i) inni E. n'hieh sn'iich nnitfli'i, when in these (hii foi'enf posiiions wiii ciozeo circui 'to effect: the bni'nng of ceni-niu 121111115 of i e mitoniohihi.

Thoigniii'ion snfiich unit M hin: n noi'inai or (ni' posii'ion ih in which ponii'ion fho ijgjniiion zippnrntns l'cndei'eiii inoiljei'nfivc, :find ino opci'ni'ii'e posifions G :inni H. Then switch unit M is in position (i, ihe igniiion oiri'nii' wiii be ciosei'i unii When in `position H. :i cii'i'nii: n'iil be i'iofaeil for cin'inin iznnpsi of the ziniioniohiie. I niso provide looking; niechnninm n'hich cons sie pi'efei'nbiy of ;i nin-tnmhlei* cylinder type lock T, which coni i'ofi n pii'otnii snppoi'ieci `hn'hing nienibni' iii-hh which ndnpfeii to ioci; fhe igniiion snliich nnif hi in position zigninet being i'oinieii io ifirniiion oi' (i 1position hnt Yiii pci'niii nziiii sn'iich unii M io bo minioi ilo iin cni'b oi' fi poniiion. Tho lock T in ;io nri'nnei fhni the key enn only hc ;o nioi'ci'i fron'i ih-e c \'iiniie1' o f i'he innibicv io *ii 'if' When ihi' :\'\'ii'i*h unii: M is= in ii1` off ni' oni'b position bot cannot be i'cino'fcii, 'when ii'` in in in; pz'iniiion (i so thai; nhonhi ihe opciinioi' niicniiii. io remove. ihe key when the nwii'cii nnii' M in it's G ponii'ioin he niii hc nnsn'ci'ennfiii :oni n'iii he :i1i};ni--1ei oi' the fnaiii than'V` the igniiion cii'cnif is ciorlcii.

Refori'ino; now lnoi'e in iicinii io niji` in- Yeni'ioin I n linii!` ;ic:-:ci'ibe the bach :ni'nctnfve of *the nic, The bach sfrnci'nre coinnizisns innici'ahij: :i hif cireiihn: nionnfixing bnse oi* plate l nnicie of any snitz'ibie :insnin iion n'niei'ini. in the periphei'y of the hzise or pinife 1 nie pl'oi'ideil cut away port-inne 2 for pin'pos'cs fo be 1ponfeci ont inter. Suitnbly secin'efi on the control poriion of the boso o? phifie l is :i fiat lnenihci' 'which m of snifnblo insulation mnferini. n'innbei' of sniinhle contact members i, 6, `T 8, 9 unii 10 :n'e piioxi'icied, and one .ecni'eei ,in suit' able siots provided in the base 01.' plate l.

Contact members (i, 8` unii 9 iu'o opcl'nivoly nssocinied with hoi'h the ignition Switch unitV unii 'the Lighting); fnvitch nniit, nfhiie coni'zict members ei, and 10 nie oniy associated Wii'h i'he lffg'iiiing` switch linii'`v inni coi'ii'nci; niem' bei' 'T is oniy nnsoeziteili Wih the ignitii'in switch unit. ;LS onch ono of JL'ho contact members; zu'e secin'eii to the base oi' pinte l in iho solne nien'i'icnl nninnel', n (iezlsci'imion of ono n'iil sn'ii'ice to give zi Glom' nnileif- :sinni'iing of the others. The, ooninot nienihci's ziji'o nfzunpci oniY of eiiitnbh: colnhicting material.

Refoi'ring to Figi. 12l and zissnlning for the Soho of cxplnnniion thai. the contact member shown, contact niemhei' 5 it has its end poi'iion 14 turned over to form :i right :mnie n'ii'h its nniin body portnin. A slot 15 in provided in the base 1 nnii :ie of o size to receive inni perlnii'- he pi'otrnsion of the emi H- of J[he coni'nct lncinhci' so that the lower inne of The nniin body poi'tion of ti' -rontnci member Wiii cngnge the upper face of the bnsc 1 inni when i'ho contact member is in J(his posit'imi, n rivet 1G, which oxtencis 'hi'onojh nninhie opcnings in the base l :ino contact member :nici inni its end spnn over, Vn'iiji necnro the coninci; member 5 in nie nionn'ed position against (iispinccn'lcnt. To the oini poi'tion l which pl'otrniies through i'ho slot .in the boso 1, eecni'oi n U-sshnpeii nienihei' I? by niennn of :i scrcw 18 `which pneeee thvonh n snitn'oie oljioninnT in :i spring;

n'nnhei' .'19 inni then i'hronn'h nn opening; in iho poi'iion li of the contact inenihoi' unii [hen hno sei'ew-fhi'ozniei engngonient n'ii'h :i sniinbie ia'ppoii o1'iiiie in the sniii 'J-sinnnxi nioinboi' 17. The U-slnipeii member '17, n'zifihei' ii) nnii sci'en' 18 ni'e for the pinfpose of connectin.: nn cxi'ei'nni coinhicior to iho i'ontnci: nieinbei: The oihei' end of 'the eonnci' member 5 exfeniin info nnifi eng'nn'ci: :i noi'oh in i'he ciigze of iho poi'tion 8' of the nienibel' 23. The coninci'. lnei'nhoi's fi; unii 10 :iino hni'e iheii` mnie ii' nnii 'L0' i'espociijvoiy onnnning noi' .'hco in the pori'ion 3' of meinbni' ;i :Uni contact nien'iboi' 8 has ii's pmfionn H' cnz'agzinn o -noi'ch in i'he poi'i'ion 21'. An oxtcnsion of the ('oni'aci, nioniiici' 8 ennno'ee n noi'ch in i'hc pol'iiion 33 of member 13. (oninf'i incmihei' 9 hne :i portion 9' enfine; n noich in the poifiion unii nn o ieneion .W engfininn :i notch in the pol'tion 33 of nieinhei' 8. Contact nicinboi' i has its end `poi'fion `'i'' engnging :i notch in the por' JLion 21 :inii contact member 6 has iis end o' eiiigeging o, noich in Jche pol'fion 32 nnci its entension G2 engnging; n notch in the `noiflon 3' of .member 3. The `thickness of the contact inemhei's 67, i". 8 etc. is such that while the hotioni face of en'zh eno'ng'es the base oi' plam l, the nppel' fnces of the pol'- iions of the ieonifinct members ng* ging the nofehes in `the .portions 3' and o inenilbei' 3 Wifi be finsii with the free fi'ie of said purposes to' be hereinafter 1 and as'each i'otorelement VK and K' is constructed in the .same man'ner, and also rotatably supported on the base 1 in the same vmanner, a description of one 'will suifice. The rotor elementA comprises a cylindrical member 20 which has a central reduced portion21, said reduced portion 21 being shaped so that it has two straight fiat surfaces. A holding member 22, having its peripheral Aedge'providedgwith a number of ,serrations or b teeth, is provided, and which member 22 'has a' central opening of a size 'and vshape to permit it to be slipped over the end of the member 20 so that its one face will engage the shoulders 23. The reduced portion 21 'of member 20 and the central opening in the holding member 22 are of such, shape and size that the said holding member 22 is prevented from rotating upon the reduced portion 21 of member 20. 'A spacing washer 24 of suitable insulation material'is'provided and has an opening to permit it to beslipped over the .end of the member 20so that the same will engage'the bottom facel of the holding member 22, the opening in said washerbeing of such a size and shape that it is adapted to engage the rednced portion 21 of member 20 to prevent rotation of lsaid washer V24 on member 20. The washer 24 is of such a thicknessthat the reduced portion 21 of lmember 20 does not extend entirely through the, opening in said washer. A metallic member 25 of suitable conducting material is provided, which has aV number of contact springs ntegrally formed therewith for engaging and disengaging certain portions of the contact members that are engaging notches in' the member 3 as will be more clearly pointed out later. rFhe member 25 is provided with a central opening to permit it to be slipped over the reduced threaded end 'portion 26, of member 20, said opening being of a sie so as not to permit said member 25 to makelcontact with said reduced end portion 26. .The member 25 engages the lower face of the washer 24 and to prevent rotation of'said member 25, a pair of lugs 27 are provided and integrally formed with the member 25 and are adapted to engage suitable notches in the washer 24 to prevent rotation of the member 25 relative to the 'member 20. A suitable insulation washer 28is provided and fits over the reduced threaded end portion of member 20 and is adapted to eng-age the metallic member 25. To secure the holding member 22, washer 24 and spring contact carrying member 25 on the ,member 20, a `hexagonal 'nut 29 is provided which has screW-threaded .the arcuate shaped end of the leaf spring v'engagement with the reduced threaded' end `t-he washer 28 insulates the nut 29 from the contact spring carrying member 25. A transverse slot 30 is provided in the enlarged end portion of member 20 and is of a size to receive a portion of one of the actuating levers of the switch units M or L as will be more specifically `hereinafter described.

To secure the rotor element on the base or plate 1, a cylindrical member is provided which is adapted' to fit into the central opening' in the cylindrical member 20 so that its head 36 will eng-age a circula-r shoulder 37 formed in 'the member 20, the same' member being of sufiicient length to extend through the cylindrical member 20, and also .through suitably' aligned Vopenings in the member 3 and base 1 and to prevent its removal or displacement, a nut V38 is pro- Vided which has screw-threaded engagement with the threadedsend 39 of the cylindrical member 35.

rotor element is secured to the base 1 as just describedthe ends of the contact Springs 8 integrally formed with the member 25 will be' operatively associated with certain contact members of the stationary contact members 4, 5, G, etc. The central opening in the member 20 is of a size to permit rotation of the rotor element upon the cylindrical memberi35 and the fieXibilit-y of the contact Springs is such as to insure positive contact with the contact members with which they are operatively associated.

The rotor elements K and K' being adapted to be rotated to different positions to bring their respective spring contact wipers into'engagement with certain ones of the stationary contact members Vassociated with said rotor elements to close particular circuits and in order to maintain' the rotor elements in the position to which they may be rotated, I provide a pair of leaf springs 40 and 41 which are secured parallel to each other to a post 42 by means of a rivet 43, said post 42 being suitably secured to the base 1. The leaf springs 40 and 41,.are associated with the rotor elements K and K' respectively, and the' free end of each of said Springs is arcuate shaped and adapted to engage the teeth formed in the holding member of the rotor element with which the leaf spring is associated, as shown in Fig. 4. VVhen the ,rotor element is rotated the arcuatel shaped end of the leaf spring, associated `with this rotating rotor element, will ride over the apex of the tooth adv'ancing` toward and when the apex of the tooth has passed beyond the centerof said arcuat'e shaped end,

The openings in the member 3 and base 1 are so positioned that when the the said :n'cuate shaped end will eng-age and between this tooth that jest passed the nter oil: the said art-,nato sheped end and the next tooth, and due to the pressure ot the leaf spring' on the side ot the tooth of member 22', a snap action Will be prodnced Well known, and if the rotor element is rotated no turther, the said rotor element Will be held in this position by the engagement ot the lea'l spring` and the holding member' ot the rotor element. Shonld the rotor element Continue rotnting the orcnzite shaped end of the leat spring,` will ride over the npexes of the teeth on the holding member and when rotation ceases, the oreuate shaped end ot said leet spring will engafe and rest between a pair of teeth tormed With the holding member ot the rotor element. To limit the degree ot rotation ot the rotor element K', I provide :i stop pin let which is snitably secnred to the base 1 end is adapted to be engraged by nn arin to intetn'ally ilformed with the holding' member 22 when the rotor element K' rotated in one direction, and is aclarpted to be engaged by the arm alztf' ii'itegrallj)`Y formed With said holding member 22 When the rotor element li' is rotated in the opposite direction.

The rotor element K is adepted to be lot-kod in its OFF anel cnrb positions but cannot be loclcd in its onw or ,igntion position and in order to eceomplish this, I pro ride an angnlarly shaped looking member L'YI which is pivotzilly nnnmted on the base l by means ot a cylindrical member L1-8 sernred to the base l and e screw eli) which extends through n Washer 50 and through an opening` in the looking' member LM and which then has screW-threaded engngement with a tapped opening in the cylindrieol member The tmnbler lock T is associated with the looking` member LM end is provided with a` pin 51' which is seenred to the cjflinder of the tnmbler lock T and is adapted to engage the arm 52 ot the looking plate alT to cense the same to move about its pivot. An eur f is provided which is oo int ;rally tormed With the looking` member Lil and `tor the pnrpose ot engzigmg the hold in sz' member ot the rotor e lenient lt to control the rotary movement ot s: 'd rotor elementlx. The

rotor element 111. as shown in lilig. l. in its 0th, position end should the key li be inserted into the tnmbler lock T and turned to the right, the pin 51 Would be caused to more to engaige the edge 5dot the arin 5:3 ot looking' plate l'l", and due to such ei'irag'ement and the contnned movement of pili el, the looking plate `l-T will move about its pii'ot and bring the eur 53 into the slot in the holding member E22 of the rotor element K. Then the ear 53 engoges the edge 5G of the holding member 22, tnrther movement of the looking member LM 'is preremovail from the tnmbler lock T. lVhen the looking' member LM is in the position jest described the rotor element K may be rotated from its oll' position to its curb position due to the size and arrangement ot the slot but cannot be rotatecl to :its on'l or ignition position.

To unlock the rotor element K to permit the same to be roteted to its ignition position, the key 7.: is inserted into the lock T and rotated to the lett to bring 'the pin 51 into engagement With the edge 57 o'l looking member LM, which will cnnse said loclrinpl plate to move about its pivot Whereby its var 53 will disengage the slot in the holding member ot rotor element. K. The rotor element K. mity now be rotated to its innition position, and should it be attempted to loel: the rotor element in this position, sin-h attempt will be nnsnccessl'nl since the ear o'lf looking' plate tL7 Will engagre the edge 59 of the holding member 'which `will. prevent tnrther movement of the loelring' plate 47 and key lu and should the operator nttempt to remove the key, he will not he success* l. as the key Will not be in the proper position, whereupon he is epprised ot the taet that the rotor element is in :its izz" it'on position. and must be mored to its otl'` or cnrb position before he cen loel; the switch. lVhen the looking' plate is in its nnloelted position as shown in Fig. l.- the rotor element K may be rotated to its ignition or cnrb position and to prevent the i'otor element h 'from being rotated beyond its igntion or cnrb position arms (S0 and Gil. are provided and adajlited to be eng'ae'ed by the ear 53 ot looking` member LW as is obvions from the drnwing. To limit the pivotal movement of the looking' plate -l-,7 to its unloehed position a stop pin (33 is provided and adapted to be enkrjaged by the lite; l' integrally tormed With the looking plate f, and when log' (3+1: engages stop pin 63, LM n'ill ceasev movin;Y and the arm 52 ot' LM will. prevent 'tilrtlier movement ot the pin [il and cylinder of the lock T to the right.

The contact Springs oil? the member 25 of ezn'h ot the rotor elements K and K' are adapted to engage end disengage certain contact members ot the stetionory contact members 4:, 5 (i, 7, etc., to close certain cirenits and the engagement and disengasement ol the same eontrolled by roteting the rotor elements K or K' depencling' on the Circuit desired to be closed. Then the contact Springs 8 are 'not engaging stationary contact members, they are engaging' the insulation 'member so that no Circuit is closed through them.

Ha-ving deseribed the interor and back Ino lltl

lZO

llltl escutcheonl or designating plate 71 of suit-` able material, bearing the names of the different positions to which the switch units L and M may be operated.V A transparent 'member 72, such as glass or the like is provided, and is of asze to fit into the cupshaped portionvof the cup-shaped member to engage thel escutcheon or designating plate 71, said member 72 being transparent for the4 purpose of permitting` the reading of the names borne byi theescutcheon 71.

The escutcheon 71 and transparent member 72 are secured in the cup-shaped member 70 by means of a suitable ring 74 which engages the periphery of Vthe member 72, said ring 7 4 being suitably secured to the member 70. A pair of studs 90 are secured to the member 70 for securing the front part. and

the back part of my be pointed out later.

The lever of the switch unit M is provided for rotating the rotor element K and the lever of the switchv unit L is provided for rotating rotor element K' and since both are constructed and engage the front part of my switch and engage the rotor elements K and K" respectively in the same identical manner, a description of one will suftice. A ferrule 75 engages suitable aligned openings in the member 70, escutcheon 71 and member 72 and is secured therein against displacement by having its ends spun over. The ferrule 75 serves to retain the members 70 and 72 and escutcheon 71 together.V The lever of theV switch unit is L-shaped and is adapted to have one of its legs 76 'extend through the switch together :as will z opening in the ferrule 75 and central opening in the cylindrical member 35 of the rotor element associated with this lever, so that the flange 77, which is integrally formed with said lever, will engage the turned over end of the ferrule 75, and a cylindrical por` tion 78 of said lever will engage the opening in said ferrule 75 and also engage the end of the member 20 'of the rotor element, while the portion 79 of the lever will engage the transverse slot 80 in the end of the member 20 of the rotor element. The leg 76 eXtends beyond the nut 39 and is provided with an opening for receiving a cotter pin 80, said cotter pin serving `to prevent the removal of the lever from the rotor element. The ferrule 75 also servesl as a bearing for the cylindrical portion 78 of the lever. VThe base 1 is provided with' a suitable opening for receiving the end of the cylinder of the ter-z minal lock T which carriesthepin 51, and

in order to prevent rotation of the casing or barrel v81V of lock T, a `U-shaped member 82 is provided for receivingl a portion of the casing 81 of the lock T, said member 82 be-` ing secured to the base 1. The front and back parts of my switch are separated by an enclosing and separating band 8a which is of' suitable metal and is of a size to fit on the edge of the base 1,so that the lugs 85' which are integrally formed witlrsaid band 811- will engage the cut out portions 2 in the periphery of said base 1. The back of the cup-shaped member 70 will engage the' other edge of .the band 84 and the studsV will extend through suitable openings in the base 1 and the end 91 of the cylinder of the lock T will engage and slightly protrude through f a ferrule 92 provided in the front part of the switch, and the back of member 70 will engage the end of the casing 81 of said lock T. The other end of the cylinder of the lock T engages an opening in the base 1, so that the pin 51 is operatively associated with the looking member LM. A pair of nuts 93 are provided which have screw-threaded engagement with the ends'of the studs 903protruding through the base 1 whereby the band 821 and tumbler lock T are clamped in position between the front and back parts of the switch' lVhen the nuts 93 are engaging the studs 90 and are tightened up against the base 1, the front and back parts of my switch are secured in place and separated fromeach other by the band 84 to form a single operating unit.

When the switch is assembled as just described above the rotor` element K'- may be rotated to any one of its operative positions byv Operating the lever of the switch unit L; when the rotor element K is in its unlocked position it may be rotated to any one of its operative positions by Operating the lever of the'4 switch unit M, but can only be moved to its off or curb position when in its locked position as' was pointed out in detail above. While I have described and shown a preferred embodiment of my invention it is to be understood that I do not wish to be limited to the eXact structure as shown and described but intend to cover all modifications and changes which may. come within the scope and spirit of `the appended claims.

Having describedi my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by United States Letters Patent is porting said element on said mounting plate,

a lever for engaging said element for rotating said element to cause the contact Ill! Springs carried by said element to engnge and lflisengae'e certain one` ot said stationary contact members, said .lever adapted to e);- tend through said element, and means 'for engnging said level' to prevent disphicement ot the same.

2; ln a device ot the cheracler deacribed, a inountinp` plate, an insulation inci'nher secnred on said moiintine` plate, stationary' Contact memliiers secured to said plate and having` their endel protrnding through open- :ii in eaid plate end their other endia en- V'a"`1i1' notehes in `said insulation member, fota* ale elements, means tor ecnring said rotatahle element;v on said mounting plate and inoperzitire relation With the ends o t raid contact men'ihers engfeging Said insnletion member, said rotatable elements adapted to open and cloee cii:'enit:=1 through said contact members.

8. ln a device of the cliaracler deeerihed, monnting` plate, nn insulation member seenred on sold monnting plate, stationary contxietv inemberfi` eeenred in said plate and ha. g; end portions extendinr into cut, out pn"i`-nn in the periphery ot Said inenlation member. a rotor contact c:1r1' 'yin,g; elementprorided with e central opening, a member 'lor rngiaging and extendinp` through the opening in said element :t'or rotelahli'v snp= porting said element on said plate against (lissplacement in operative ciation With said contact members and insulation me1nher.

al. ln e device oi the chareeter deecrilied, e monntin` plae, an insulation member eecured to said plate, and provided with notches, contact members secnred to said monnting plate find having end portions enggaging the notchcs in said inenlzition meinher, a contact spring carrying element havinf;` a central opening, means for engnging' taaid central opening; and said monnting plate for rotatehly eup'porting said element on eaid plate and in operat-ive association With said contact members; and insulation member, eaid element being rotetahly operahle lo cenne the contact Springs carried by said element to engage znnl disenganje the end portions ot said contact members 'to close end open circnits, said contact springs when not` l-ii,zigi11, eaid contact members enrae'ine said insulation member.

ln a device of the claes descrihecl, a monntine' plate etationary contact members secnred on said mounting plate, contact spring` farrying elements, each provided With a central opening, :1 pln for cech of Said elementa, and adapte'rl to enggage the central ol'ienineg in Said eleinente` and to engege said plate 'for rotatahly sepporting said elements on said plate and in operatire eiation with said contact members, said elements adepted to be rotated to different operative positions relatire to ssaid contact members, serrated members l'or Said elements, and a pair o'lE spring members secnred n said plate and in ope etire engagement with the e'erration4 of eaid serrated members, and adapted to prodnce a snap action ot said elemente, when said elements are rotated and to retain said elements in poeiition to which tliei`Y are rotated.

(3. ln a device ot the charaeter described, :1 moimting plate, stetionary cent-neta: seonred on said inonnting` plate, a rotor element, inwingp; a central opening, and ndnp'tod to he related to diilerent poeitions, a member tor aszing; and extendine' through said central i inne' and through an opening in Said moiintine; plate 'tor i'otataht7 enpportinp,` and rel: inf 3 Heid i'olor ('lmnei'it upon Said moiminne,` plate, coi'ltact` Springs carried by aid rotor element: and :i'rlapted to engage and diaenggage said stationary eontacts, said contact, Springs being eo `Shaped 'to insure poeitive contact between said contact Springs and `said etationary eonlaetff, a holding mein her tor said rotor element provided with serratione, a .liat :spring :i'for engeging a pair ojl said Serretions to retain said rotor element in its related lmsition, und to effect. :i snap action ot L-Leid ro'tor element When rotating.

i". ln :i device o'li 'the (',lniracter describecl, a inonntmg; plate, ota'tionnrji' oontacts Securod en raid monnting plate, :i rotor element, having; :z central opening, and adapted to he related to dill'ei'ent positilime, a member :tor engijaging and extendine' tln'ongh said central opening and through an opening in said menntinp; plate :for rotatahly snpporting end retaining` eaid rolor element upon said nmnnting,v plate, contact: Springs carried by `said rotor element end etlapted to engage and disengae'e said :datioimry contacts, eai'il contact :jpri :s being eo nhaped to insnre positive contact between said' contact Springs and said 'ationa1' ,f contaete, e holding,` niemher :tor 8a, l rotor element provided With serralions, a lea'l spring` :tor engaging o pair oil said eerretions to retein :mld rotor element in its related poeition, and to ell'eel: a snap action off said rotor element When rotating, a eto'i pin secnred to said momiting plate, end members inteerally :formed With said holding;I member :l'or eno'a 'inp,h said stop pin to .limit the degree ot romtion ot said rotor element.

ln e` device o'l the cl araeter deserihed, a monntingg plate, stationary contacts secnred thereon, :i contact spring' carrying; element provided With a tranevei e elot; in it.- one vend end a central opening;- thronghont, a member for cnzagingr sold central opening and said nlolmthng` pla'i, ;'or i'otatehly sup'- pmtin; said rotor lenninl: on eeid plate so that the contact f-p L;za carried by aid elenn'nt majiY he related into engljagzeinent and disengagement with said etetionei'y contacts, and an actnating member 't r engaging said lit) slot in said rotorelement for effecting rotai Vtion of said rotor element lengaging said central opening andv said mounting plate for rotatably supporting and retaining saind rotor element on said mount-ing plate and said contact springs in operative relation With said stationary contacts, a holding member for said rotor elom'ent, a leaf spring mounted on said mounting plate, and adapted to engage said holding member to retain said rotor element in position to which it is rotated, and means supported on said mounting plate and adapted to'be engaged by said holding member for limiting the degree of rotation of said rotor element.

10.V In a device of the Character described, a base member, stationary contacts mounted thereon,. a rotorelement having contact Springs for engaging' and disengaging said stationary contacts, means for rotatabl7 supporting and'retaining said Vrotor element on said base member, said rotor element adapted to be rotated to different positions, a holding member for said rotor element provided With serrations, a leaf spring for engaging said serrations to retain said rotor element in its different positions and to efr fect a snap 'action' of said rotor element When rotated, means for locking said'element, said locking means engaging said holdingmember, and means permitting said 'rotor element to be' rotated to one of its a base member, stationary contacts mounted thereon, a rotor element having contact springs for engaging and disengaging said stationary contacts, means for rotatably securing said rotor element on said base member, said rotor elements adapted to be rotated to different positions, a holding member for said rotor element provided with serrations, a leafspring for engaging said serrations to retain said rotor element in its different positions,` means for looking said rotor element aga-instmovement in one dir'ection but permitting movement in the other direction, said looking means engaging said holding member, andmeans for limitingl the degree of rotation of said rotor element When said rotor element is in its unlocked position. i

12. In a device of the Character described, a` mounting plate, stationary contacts secured thereto, arotor element provided With contact springs, means for rotatably securing said rotor element. on said mounting plate so that said contact SpringsV are in opvserrations to retain said rotor element in its.

different positions, looking means for lock-l ing said rotor' element to prevent it from being rotated to all of itspositions but to permit it to be rotated to some of its positions, said looking'l means engaging said' holding member, and means, including said looking means, for limiting the amount of rotation of said rotor element. i p

13. In a device of the class described, a mounting plate, stationary contacts secured on said mounting plate, a rotor element rotatably .supported on said mounting plate and adapted to be rotated to different positions, contact springs for said rotor element and adapted to engage said stationary contact-s, a holding member for said rotor element, said holding member being provided Withl serrations, a leaf spring .for engaging said serrations to retain said rotor element in its different positions, a looking member pivotally supported on said mounting plate and adapted to engage said holding member to lock said rotor element so that the same may be rotated to only certain ones of said positions.

14, In a device of the class described, a mounting plate, stationary contaets secured on said mounting plate, a rotor element rotatably supported on said mountingplate and-adapted to rotatepto different positions, contact Springs for said rotor element adapted toengage saidstationary contacts, a holding member for 'said rotor element, a looking member pivotally supported on said mounting plate and adapted to engage said holding member to lock said rotor element so that the same may be rotated to only certain ones of said positions, and members integrally formed with said holding plate and adapted to be engaged by said looking'r member to limit the degree of rotation of saidv rotorelement but to permitpit to be rotated to all of its positions.

w 15. In a device of the class descr'ibed, a mounting plate, contact members secured on said mounting plate, a rotor element provided With contact Springs for making contact with vsaid contact members and adapted to be rotated to ldifferent positions, means for rotatably securing said rotor element on said mounting plate, a holding lmember for said rotor-element, a looking' member pivotally supported on said mountlng plate for lockingsaid rotor elementto i oo prevent the same from, being rotated'to all I of its positions but to permit it to be rotated; to more than one of its positions, and

a tumbler lock' for Operating said looking -1 member.

1G. lin u device of' the close: defierihed, :i mouiilinr phie, coul'uct meuihei'u :fm-ured ou ruid mouuling; plofte, :i roror olemeu: provided willi conhic; sp 'inrs for making conucr wiill Said contact members and urhiped io ho roi'zil'ed i'o dilfereoi: positious, iuemo :for roi'uhibly Fe'uring said roior cieiueii'l on Suiil mounliug: plul'e, :i hrH-.diu-i` member :l'or uziid rol'or cieniem, r. loclciug member piroolly sul'iportcd on nid mountingg' pluo for locliiim` said roi'or element to pre-Kenii lhe :rame from heincr rol'uod to all olf irc liiosi'ioiis hut lo pormit it io be roluied to more i'h'm one of il'z: positious, a siziringr member mouuh'd ou said mouuiin; plule 'l'or r'rregugginr :said holding memhcr to retail] Waid rofor element in i'u dilllerenlA rohxizihle poiiilioiui, :i rumbler lock, 'L1 pin for said tumhlcr loch :for iperzu'ing; said loelciiig member, :rml meziuz; 'l'or conl'c'rolling;` lhe ziiziouu: o i! morement o'i': acid pin.

li". il owilich of the chrzrzacter dccribcd, including e, :front und bzicl; structure, otaifiiouury coutziets secured on said hack struclurc, :i rol'or element 'provided with conhic f-ipriugi; :for nuiking coli-net rfi'i'h trud sie tioiuzry comzictc, means for roi'el'uhly zsceur-- img: :said rotor element on sold linek sruc :urc :uul between said :iroulv :rml hocli: slrucluros, :iu :ic'uuliug lerer 'For erreualiug 'lhri'iugh miri roniw structure amd imo engauz'eim'nt With ziuid ro'or element Vlfor :ietuoing *che suid rolor element, zl. locliugf member for loelciugi: said ro'ror element, lock mechzmism o'c'curcd iii :md between said front :md back ,':iriu'iiureo :for ope otin; said locliuej mem her, o, ll'shuped member oecured lo the buch sirucl'uro for rei'eiuinej said lock mechz'misiu in ilu: mouultod position :md memu; for securiiui' .eoid l'rou; und back olructureu 'together to l'orm u ouimrx* :'t1'uci:111'e.

lo. switch or: the class deoerihod including u from' slrucuro und :i back structure, coirlucl: memhe 'o secured ou szud hucl: struciure, :i ;kolor element pro'ridcd With contuct member, said lock mechuuism being secured iu und between said front und back structurefi, memu; :for pre 'outii'ig roi'ol'ion of said cusiiigfg', :rud means ;or eecuriug;` acid front :md lmcl; elructures together to form a unitury Operating' :-tructure.

li). ii. switch Oli the class dcecrihed, iucluding a. :front und back structure, conhicts secm'ed. ou said l :ich structuro :1` roror elo ment provided With contact Springs for muli;-

img coulucl; willi said (milluchza, uid rolor element'I having; :i centra'` l opening; 4llnfoiughour, :md :i iri'uiieverce :slot iii ilz's one cud, :L oyliiulrical member lor ene ing J[he central opening; in said rolor element 12ml for tendiiu,v through 8.11 (opening 11:1 d huclc slrur'zituro :'or rohdzuhlfgf ouppori'mgij :md retummg smd rolor iden'ioui; upon said back structure, :m octueting lever, ex'endmg'; ihroujl :smd :front strmiiure imo engagemenc with said lrphsrci'se slot and;

said barek sfirucrlu'o co ilmfi:

zu'e iu opcrzlivo useocurtmii with for suid roor element, ;i lockingi' member pivotzilly ,supported ou i mounling' plate :md :idrp'od 'to eugnge said holding mcmb'er io loclc mid rotor element so i'hzit the :mnie 11m3`r he roizded to only cczr'uiu positions, :ul l-- shuped ac'lufu'iiie' lover, hzwiug io; one leg,r ex- 'eudiug through ouid rorit otrucfure info ehgugeiueulz With :md througi'h raid rolor element. :md back structure :for uetuzr'ing said rolor element, and means for prevontiug` ionw gitudiuzil moremeui'` of said .le'ver, :md lfor securingr said level' iu opcrativc position in s'iid switch.

21. A switch of the class descrihed including :i front Estructure find zi, hack Structure, contact member secured on .oo-id back struci'ure, :1 roi'or element provided With contact springs i'or enguginp' :rml d'iSenguliHg .'iiid conrac't members, mezil s for ro'huizibly securing the said ro'ior elemenl; upon :Iuid hzu'h srruclure so that the conhiclx opringjss are iii opernlive ozeoociniziou u'ii'h fluid conhict 111cmM hero, zi locliinp memoer .ifor locl'l i ;f said roior elementy against being: roiirl'ed *co '(1 certain posioion, locl; ;oiechunsiui`` including o ror't` :lile cylinder provided r'i'il'h u pin :rud :i ;meiiigi: :for said cylinder, for :'icluuiziug Sirid: loclin;`` member, fisoid lock u'iechunif-;m being; sec'ured in and between suid :front :md bnclc structures, means for pre'veutingz roratirm of aid cusing', means lfor controlling the degree of roi'zu'ion of: raid cylimh'i' and pin, :md mems for securin; said. fl'froul; :md bzicl: cizruetures together to form :i imirury opera iii ng s'riruc'liu re.

:2:2. il, fi 'witch oli the chore :ler described including .fr lfrout plate :md rr back plate, :i switch mouoted between raid places, ;md zm ope'zdng lorer i'or :acid sxil'tch extending through said` vfront place, said switch :md

said rear plate, and looking means for said switch Whereby said switch is operable to only certain positions when said looking means are actnated.

23. A switch of the Character 'described including a front plate and a back plate, a switch mounted between said plates, an opverating lever for said switch extending through said front plate, said vswitch and said rear plate, locking means for said switch whei'eby said switch is operable to only certain positions when said looking means are actuated, and means at the rear of said switch for preventing .longitudinal movement of said lever.

24:.V A switch of the Character described including a movable switch member, a pivotally mounted looking member for preventi ing actuation of said switch member, said looking member allowing said switch memberito be moved to only one of its operable positions WhenV said looking member is ac- WILLIAM KAISLNG. 

